What I did most recently when I brought my elodea was check it for snails (any snails I found I added to my snail tank), then I rinsed the plant, soaked it in a salt dip solution for around 10 minutes, rinsed the plant again thoroughly, soaked it in tap water for 24 hours and then added it to the aquarium (I also chucked my UV filter light on for a few hours just in case).

I can't quite remember the salt dip solution, could find it for you, if you were interested.

It's usually enough to keep the plant in a bucket or a bowl for a week or two, making sure it gets light and some tank water every now and then. Should they ever carry parasites, they'll all be dead within that time since there are no hosts for them to live on.Some plants can't handle a salt solution.

I just run the plant under tap water. The chloride should kill off any bugs, Then if I suspect snails a quick dip in salt water to kill off snails ( common salt in high concentration) then a vigorous rinse in tank water , ten plant in the tank. I've never had any problems, but then I buy from a specialist shop.

So here's my next question....I know how much watts I need for the tank, but my light fixture that came with the tank doesn't have enough wattage. How do I find a fixture that takes two bulbs? Doesnt seem like there's a lot out on the market. Either really expensive or cheap ones that take one bulb. Any input?

If you go for LED then Eco-Aqua LED lamps are pretty good;Eco-Aqua Lamps are sized to replace existing T8 lamps – they are slightly shorter, to enable them to fit between the lamp holders of an existing fitting (or they can fit into the lamp holders with the optional adapter), and are supplied complete with a set of fixing clips for mounting to an aquarium hood or frame. Six lengths are available ranging from 384mm to 1147mm.

you need to measure length and if going for fluorescent you will need reflectors....or are you going to go open top, if so you can fix the lamps to the tank sides with angled brackets whitch may be adjusted to the length of your tank

can you not just swop-out the existing tube for a higher rated one? what make is your lamp set?

I was looking for something reasonably priced...in the $50 to 60 range. I have an Aqueon tank kit. The top has one flurescent bulb. I can't get it out of top...but I believe it's a 15 watt. Need more than that. I can't seem to find more wattage in the bulb size. But being a newbie I'm clueless and might be missing something.

I'm confused about LED. I thought they don't give off enough light for plants?

The higher the colour temperature (K) the deeper the light penetrates.

On smaller aquaria , the single lamp provided is usually only for showing of your fish's colours. A lamp with a low K rating emits redder light and exhibits more vivid colours than a lamp with a higher K rating (emitting bluer light). Normal-output fluorescent lamps are quite popular in fish-only aquaria.

In the Freshwater Planted Aquarium , lamps should be used to provide the full spectrum range of light (5500 K to 7500 K), most plants require ( for photosynthesis).

As a general rule, provide between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. For deeper tanks the higher the higher figure is desirable.

I'll see if I can write a "lighting guide" if I get the time. My large tank has a fish lamp & a plant lamp